Diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry for lateral skull base tumors.

OBJECTIVE To explore the diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry in lateral skull base tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-eight patients with lateral skull base tumors were randomly divided into control group (n = 29, examined with conventional diagnostic technique) or study group (n = 29, examined with three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry). The diagnostic accuracy, tumor distribution and image characteristics were compared between both patient groups. RESULTS In control group, preoperative tumor diagnosis was consistent with intraoperative diagnosis in 20 patients, similar in 7 patients and discrepant in 2 patients. In study group, there were 24 consistent, 4 similar, and 1 discrepant diagnoses (p < 0.05 vs. control group). Frequency of individual tumor types, as revealed by either diagnostic method, was comparable. The images obtained with three-dimensional CT reconstruction were clearer, facilitating an accurate demonstration of the tumor, including tumor size and location. CONCLUSIONS Three-dimensional CT reconstruction and cephalometry provides accurate diagnosis of lateral skull base tumors, which is helpful for subsequent surgical treatment.